How does spleen size vary with age and gender. What are the normal dimensions of a healthy spleen. How is spleen size measured and what can cause it to enlarge. What important functions does the spleen perform in the body.

The Vital Role of the Spleen in Human Health

The spleen is a small but crucial organ located in the upper left part of the abdomen, tucked behind the stomach and beneath the diaphragm. Despite its modest size, the spleen performs several vital functions that contribute to overall health and well-being. Understanding the spleen’s role and size can provide valuable insights into maintaining optimal health.

Key Functions of the Spleen

• Blood filtration
• Removal of old or damaged red blood cells
• Support of the immune system
• Production of lymphocytes
• Storage of platelets and white blood cells

The spleen acts as a sophisticated filter for the blood, removing old, damaged, or abnormal red blood cells. How does this filtration process work? The organ contains a maze of narrow tunnels that catch problematic cells while allowing healthy ones to pass through and continue circulating. This mechanism helps maintain the quality and efficiency of the blood supply.

In addition to its filtration role, the spleen plays a crucial part in supporting the immune system. When harmful microorganisms enter the bloodstream, the spleen, along with lymph nodes, produces lymphocytes – a type of white blood cell capable of creating antibodies to combat infections. This function highlights the spleen’s importance in defending the body against various pathogens.

Normal Spleen Size: Variations and Influencing Factors

The size of a healthy spleen can vary considerably from person to person, and it’s influenced by several factors. What are the typical dimensions of an adult spleen? Generally, a normal adult spleen measures about 5 inches in length, 3 inches in width, and 1.5 inches in thickness, weighing approximately 6 ounces.

Factors Affecting Spleen Size

• Gender
• Height
• Age
• Overall health status

Interestingly, spleen size tends to differ between genders, with women typically having smaller spleens than men. Height also plays a role, as taller individuals generally have larger spleens compared to shorter people. Why do men tend to have larger spleens? Research published in the journal Radiology suggests that aside from men generally being taller than women, they also typically have a greater red cell mass, which may contribute to the size difference.

Age is another crucial factor influencing spleen size. The organ grows with age during childhood and adolescence, but once adulthood is reached, it tends to shrink slightly with each passing decade. This gradual reduction in size is a normal part of the aging process and doesn’t necessarily indicate any health issues.

Measuring Spleen Size: Techniques and Importance

Accurate measurement of spleen size is essential for diagnosing potential health issues and monitoring overall well-being. How do medical professionals assess spleen size? Several methods are employed, ranging from physical examinations to advanced imaging techniques.

Common Methods for Assessing Spleen Size

1. Physical examination
2. Blood tests
3. Ultrasound imaging
4. CT scans
5. MRI scans

During a physical examination, a skilled physician can often detect if the spleen is enlarged by palpating the abdomen. However, for more precise measurements, imaging techniques are typically employed. Among these, abdominal ultrasound is often preferred due to its ease of use, lack of radiation exposure, and ability to provide accurate measurements.

How does an ultrasound measure spleen size? The procedure uses sound waves to create images of the organ on a computer screen. A special gel is applied to the abdomen, and an ultrasound “wand” is moved across the skin. This non-invasive technique can measure the length, width, and thickness of the spleen, providing valuable information about its size and any potential abnormalities.

Understanding Spleen Enlargement: Causes and Implications

While slight variations in spleen size are common and generally not cause for concern, significant enlargement – known as splenomegaly – can indicate underlying health issues. What conditions can lead to an enlarged spleen?

Common Causes of Spleen Enlargement

• Viral infections (e.g., mononucleosis)
• Bacterial infections (e.g., syphilis)
• Blood disorders
• Liver diseases
• Certain cancers

An enlarged spleen can be a temporary response to infections or a more persistent condition related to chronic diseases. In cases of viral or bacterial infections, the spleen may enlarge as it works harder to filter the blood and produce immune cells to fight the infection. Once the underlying cause is treated, the spleen often returns to its normal size.

However, persistent spleen enlargement can lead to complications. An oversized spleen may crowd other organs, potentially affecting their function. It may also become more fragile, increasing the risk of rupture in case of trauma. Therefore, monitoring spleen size and addressing any significant changes is crucial for maintaining overall health.

Diagnosing Spleen Abnormalities: Tests and Procedures

When spleen abnormalities are suspected, healthcare providers may employ a variety of diagnostic tests to assess the organ’s size and function. What are the primary methods used to evaluate spleen health?

Key Diagnostic Tools for Spleen Assessment

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Abdominal ultrasound
• CT scan
• MRI
• Liver function tests

A complete blood count can provide valuable information about the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which may be affected by spleen abnormalities. Imaging tests, particularly ultrasound, offer detailed views of the spleen’s size and structure, helping to identify any enlargement or other issues.

In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of spleen abnormalities. These might include liver function tests, as liver diseases can often affect spleen size and function. The choice of diagnostic tools depends on the individual patient’s symptoms, medical history, and the suspected underlying condition.

Treatment Approaches for Spleen Disorders

The treatment of spleen disorders typically focuses on addressing the underlying cause rather than targeting the spleen directly. How are spleen-related issues managed?

Common Treatment Strategies

• Treating underlying infections
• Managing chronic diseases
• Medication therapy
• Splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen)
• Watchful waiting for mild cases

In many cases, treating the condition causing spleen enlargement or dysfunction will resolve the issue. For instance, if a viral or bacterial infection is responsible, appropriate antimicrobial therapy can help return the spleen to its normal size and function.

For chronic conditions affecting the spleen, ongoing management of the underlying disease is crucial. This might involve medication regimens, lifestyle modifications, or other therapies specific to the condition.

In severe cases where the spleen is significantly enlarged or dysfunctional, surgical removal (splenectomy) may be necessary. While this procedure can effectively address certain spleen-related issues, it does come with long-term implications for immune function. Patients who undergo splenectomy require lifelong vigilance against infections, including staying up-to-date with vaccinations and taking prompt action if signs of infection arise.

Living Without a Spleen: Implications and Precautions

While the spleen performs important functions, it’s possible to live without this organ. However, individuals who have undergone splenectomy face certain challenges and must take specific precautions to maintain their health. What are the key considerations for those living without a spleen?

Important Measures for Asplenic Individuals

• Strict adherence to vaccination schedules
• Prompt treatment of infections
• Regular check-ups with healthcare providers
• Carrying medical alert identification
• Taking prophylactic antibiotics when recommended

Without a spleen, individuals are at increased risk of certain infections, particularly those caused by encapsulated bacteria. To mitigate this risk, it’s crucial to maintain an up-to-date vaccination status, including annual flu shots and vaccines against pneumococcal, meningococcal, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infections.

Asplenic individuals should be vigilant about potential infections and seek medical attention promptly if they develop fever or other signs of illness. In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend long-term antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent infections.

It’s also important for those without a spleen to inform all healthcare providers of their asplenic status and to carry medical alert identification. This ensures appropriate precautions and treatments can be implemented quickly if needed, especially in emergency situations.

Maintaining Spleen Health: Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Factors

While many spleen-related issues stem from underlying health conditions, there are steps individuals can take to support overall spleen health and function. What lifestyle factors and preventive measures can contribute to maintaining a healthy spleen?

Strategies for Promoting Spleen Health

• Maintaining a balanced diet
• Regular exercise
• Stress management
• Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
• Practicing good hygiene to prevent infections

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support overall immune function, indirectly benefiting the spleen. Some traditional medicine systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, emphasize specific foods believed to nourish the spleen, although scientific evidence for these claims is limited.

Regular physical activity can promote overall health and potentially support spleen function by improving circulation and boosting immune function. However, individuals with known spleen enlargement should consult their healthcare provider before engaging in contact sports or activities with a high risk of abdominal trauma.

Stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga, may help support overall immune function and potentially benefit spleen health. Additionally, limiting alcohol consumption can be beneficial, as excessive alcohol use can lead to liver problems that may affect the spleen.

Practicing good hygiene, including regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with individuals who have contagious illnesses, can help prevent infections that might strain the spleen’s immune functions.

By understanding the spleen’s vital roles and taking steps to support its function, individuals can contribute to their overall health and well-being. Regular check-ups and open communication with healthcare providers are key to monitoring spleen health and addressing any potential issues promptly.

Normal Spleen Size Depends on Weight and Gender

Overview

Your spleen is a small but hard-working organ hidden behind your stomach and under your diaphragm. It acts as a filter for your blood. Old, damaged, or abnormal red blood cells are caught in a maze of narrow tunnels within the spleen. Healthy red blood cells easily pass through the spleen and continue to circulate in your bloodstream.

The spleen can also filter out certain bacteria or viruses from your blood in support of the body’s immune system. When a disease-causing microorganism enters the bloodstream, your spleen and lymph nodes produce lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell capable of making antibodies to fight infections.

Unlike most other organs in your body, your spleen changes in size throughout your life — usually in response to illness or injury. A viral infection, such as mononucleosis, or a bacterial infection, such as syphilis, are among the conditions that can lead to an enlarged spleen.

The size of a normal, healthy spleen can vary considerably from person to person. Your sex and height can also affect its size. In general, an adult spleen is about 5 inches long, 3 inches wide, 1.5 inches thick, and weighs about 6 ounces.

Women tend to have smaller spleens than men, and taller people tend to have larger spleens than shorter people. In a study in the journal Radiology, researchers suggested that aside from men generally being taller than women, men also typically have greater red cell mass than women.

Your spleen, like the rest of your body, grows with age. Once you reach adulthood, however, your spleen tends to shrink slightly with each passing decade. The following is a list of the upper limit of normal spleen length by age up to 15 years. For boys and girls, there is relatively little difference in size, according to a study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology. The average spleen length by age was up to:

During a physical examination, your doctor can usually tell if your spleen is enlarged. A blood test to check your levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets may also be ordered to help diagnose the cause of a spleen enlargement.

Imaging tests, including ultrasound, help measure the size of your spleen and whether it’s crowding your other organs.

An abdominal ultrasound is often preferred for evaluating the spleen because it’s easy to do and doesn’t require any radiation. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of inside the body on a computer screen. An ultrasound “wand” is rubbed on the outside of the belly, which is coated with a special gel. This gel helps transmit the sound waves through the skin and to the parts inside the body.

Ultrasound can usually measure the length of the spleen along a center line (axis) accurately. It can also measure the width and thickness of the spleen, which can typically tell the doctor whether the organ is abnormally large or small. In most cases, however, the concern is about an enlarged spleen.

An abdominal ultrasound can help detect other conditions, too. Some of them include:

• abnormal liver function
• kidney stones
• gallstones
• enlargement of other organs, such as the liver or gallbladder
• abdominal aortic aneurysm (bulge in the main artery that supplies blood to most of the body)
• tumors or other suspicious growths anywhere in the abdominal area

Slight variances in spleen size are common and not a cause for concern. However, if you suspect your spleen is enlarged or you’re having any organ-related problems, see a doctor soon. If an infection is causing this temporary enlargement of the spleen, the sooner you get it diagnosed and treated, the better.

Treating the underlying cause of your spleen growth will usually cause it to return to a normal, healthy size. In very serious cases of spleen dysfunction, the organ can be removed. You will be at greater risk for infections, but that will only mean it’s even more important to keep up to date with vaccinations and other preventive steps, such as washing your hands thoroughly and regularly or avoiding people who may have a contagious infection.

Enlarged Spleen: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Written by Annie Stuart

Medically Reviewed by Poonam Sachdev on April 25, 2023

• Causes of an Enlarged Spleen
• Symptoms of an Enlarged Spleen
• Treatments for an Enlarged Spleen

What is the spleen and what causes an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)?

The spleen sits under your rib cage in the upper left part of your abdomen toward your back. It is an organ that is part of the lymph system and works as a drainage network that defends your body against infection.

White blood cells produced in the spleen engulf bacteria, dead tissue, and foreign matter, removing them from the blood as blood passes through it. The spleen also maintains healthy red and white blood cells and platelets; platelets help your blood clot. The spleen filters blood, removing abnormal blood cells from the bloodstream.

The spleen is part of the lymph system and works as a drainage network that defends your body against infection. It is normally about the size of your fist.

A spleen is normally about the size of your fist. A doctor usually can’t feel it during an exam. But diseases can cause it to swell and become many times its normal size. Because the spleen is involved in many functions, many conditions may affect it.

An enlarged spleen is not always a sign of a problem. When a spleen becomes enlarged, though, it often means it has been doing its job but has become overactive. For example, sometimes the spleen is overactive in removing and destroying blood cells. This is called hypersplenism. It can happen for many reasons, including problems with too many platelets and other disorders of the blood.

An enlarged spleen can be caused by infections, cirrhosis and other liver diseases, blood diseases characterized by abnormal blood cells, problems with the lymph system, or other conditions.

Here are some common causes of an enlarged spleen:

Infections

• Viral infections, such as mononucleosis
• Parasitic infections, such as toxoplasmosis
• Bacterial infections, such as endocarditis (an infection of your heart’s valves)

Cancer

• Leukemia, a cancer in which white blood cells displace normal blood cells
• Lymphoma, a cancer of lymph tissue, such as Hodgkin’s disease

Other causes of an enlarged spleen include:

• Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis
• Trauma, such as an injury during contact sports
• Cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the spleen
• A cyst, a noncancerous fluid-filled sac
• A large abscess, a pus-filled cavity usually caused by a bacterial infection
• Infiltrative diseases such as Gaucher disease, amyloidosis, or glycogen storage diseases

Most people don’t know they have an enlarged spleen because symptoms are rare. People usually find out about it during a physical exam. These are the most common symptoms of an enlarged spleen:

• Being unable to eat a large meal.
• Feeling discomfort, fullness, or pain on the upper left side of the abdomen; this pain may spread to your left shoulder.

If you have pain that is severe or gets worse when taking a deep breath, see your doctor right away.

If you have an enlarged spleen, you may develop other signs or symptoms, too. These are related to the underlying disease. They may include signs and symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Frequent infections
• Easy bleeding
• Jaundice
• Anemia

Your doctor will ask you questions and do a physical exam to diagnose an enlarged, painful spleen. This involves palpating (examining by touch) your spleen. You will also likely need diagnostic tests to confirm the cause of the swollen spleen. These may include blood tests, an ultrasound, or computerized tomography (CT) scan. In some cases, other tests may be needed.

Limit any activities that could rupture your spleen, such as contact sports. A ruptured spleen can cause lots of blood loss and be life threatening. It’s important to seek treatment for the cause of your enlarged spleen. Left untreated, an enlarged spleen can lead to serious complications. In most cases, treatment of the underlying cause of the enlarged spleen can prevent removal of the spleen. In some cases, the spleen will need to be removed surgically (splenectomy).

If surgery is needed, a surgeon is likely to remove the spleen using laparoscopy rather than open surgery. This means the surgery is performed through small incisions. A laparoscope allows the surgeon to view and remove the spleen.

If your spleen is removed, you cannot effectively clear certain bacteria from your body and will be more vulnerable to certain infections. So vaccines or other medications are needed to prevent infection.

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Spleen enlargement: why it is dangerous

Very often the question is asked, what is the reason for the enlargement of the spleen, what is the danger of such a violation. There are no unnecessary organs in the human body. Each of them has its own important functions. The spleen is needed in order for metabolic processes to occur correctly, it regulates hematopoiesis, cleanses the blood of bacteria, and is responsible for the level of its coagulability. This organ works in close connection with others, so the spleen enlarges when they function incorrectly. The spleen is especially clearly affected by disturbances in the functioning of the liver, its enlargement is one of the symptoms of such a serious disease as cirrhosis. The most common causes of cirrhosis are viral hepatitis B and C, fatty liver disease, and alcoholic liver disease. In these diseases, hepatocytes are replaced by fat cells or connective tissue. Gradually, the liver ceases to perform its functions, which leads to very serious consequences. Therefore, if deviations in the size of the spleen are detected, not only a consultation with a hepatologist is necessary, but also a comprehensive examination, necessarily with the use of liver elastometry.

The normal size of the spleen in adults is:

• length – from 8 to 15 centimeters;
• width – from 6 to 9 centimeters;
• thickness – from 4 to 6 centimeters;
• weight – 140-200 grams.

Symptoms

Having increased, this organ can even reach 500 grams, squeezing neighboring organs and causing pain. Since the spleen is located near the stomach, one of the symptoms of its abnormally large size is a feeling of heaviness in the stomach after eating, which appears even if very little is eaten. Sometimes pains are fixed in the abdomen or behind on the left side, this most likely means that some parts of the spleen are destroyed due to insufficient blood supply to them.

Consequences

If we talk about the dangers of an enlarged spleen for the human body as a whole, it is first of all important to note that the processes of hematopoiesis in the body are disturbed. The enlarged organ gets the opportunity to “capture” more than usual, the number of blood cells. It would seem that this is good, the spleen will better cleanse the blood of diseased cells. But, unfortunately, this is not entirely true. Pathological blood cells, when too many of them are extracted, clog the spleen itself, from which it grows even more, but the blood filters worse and worse. As a result, the body begins to destroy not only pathological, but also healthy blood cells, destroy them. Danger threatens red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells.

In the case of a sharp decrease in the number of red blood cells, a person becomes ill with anemia. The destruction of leukocytes destroys the body’s immune system, a person begins to get sick with infectious diseases very often. A lack of platelets leads to a deterioration in blood clotting, which is also very dangerous.

Treatment of the spleen comes down to eliminating the cause of its enlargement, that is, it is necessary to cure the disease that led to failures. In extreme cases, the organ is removed, but this is highly undesirable, since immunity deteriorates significantly, because the blood is left without its filter, and, consequently, the risk of infectious diseases increases.

Important to know!

• What are the causes of hepatic steatosis?
• What is liver elastography?
• Which doctor should I contact for hepatitis B?
• What is liver fibroscan?

Diseases of the spleen Medical term

– The spleen is a large lymphoid organ. It has an oval, slightly flat shape. The spleen is located in the region of the left hypochondrium, behind the stomach. It is in close proximity to the pancreas, colon, left kidney and slightly in contact with the diaphragm. The size of the spleen reaches 10-14 cm in length, 6-10 cm in width, and the thickness of the spleen is 3-4 cm.

The main part of this unique organ is represented by the so-called white and red pulp. The white pulp is a lymphoid tissue where lymphocytes originate, and the red pulp is mostly filled with erythrocytes. In addition to the important hematopoietic function for the human body, the spleen also produces antibodies, and also detects unnecessary harmful microorganisms and other foreign elements in the blood stream.

Since a certain breakdown of blood cells is constantly observed in the human body, the main function of the spleen is considered to be the necessary restoration of the number of cellular elements in the blood.

The spleen, as well as its adjacent organ, the pancreas, is most active in the morning from about 9 am to 11 am. If symptoms such as weakness in the legs, constant drowsiness during the day, loss of appetite, but at the same time a desire to taste sweets, memory impairment and general exhaustion of the brain are observed, we can talk about problems associated with these organs.

Types of diseases of the spleen

As a rule, primary diseases of the spleen occur quite rarely, much more often it is affected secondarily, more often than it happens with other organs. The following are the main dysfunctional conditions of the spleen that can be diagnosed as a disease.

Congenital malformations . There are cases when a person does not have a spleen from birth. There are also cases when the size of the spleen does not fit into the usual framework, its shape and structure are non-standard. Sometimes additional spleens are determined, there may even be several. If the position of the spleen is poorly fixed due to weak abdominal muscles, it can move in the abdominal cavity; this phenomenon in medicine is called “wandering spleen”, and it occurs more often in women than in men.

Spleen infarction is a phenomenon that occurs quite often, although the area of ​​infarction is usually very small. Leukemia and some other infections contribute to the occurrence of a heart attack.

Torsion of the spleen (or torsion of the pedicle) requires mandatory intervention by the surgeon, as it leads to a serious violation of the blood circulation of this organ.

Abscesses . Causes of abscess of the spleen can be different – it can be spleen infarction or typhoid fever . As a rule, this process proceeds painlessly, which in most cases ends in self-healing.

Cysts . Different types of cysts can be observed in the spleen, however epithelial cysts are extremely rare. But serous cysts are observed more often, but they usually occur, like ruptures, as a result of a person receiving an injury.

Various degenerative irreversible processes . In old age, atrophy of the spleen often occurs.

Tumors . A typical tumor of the spleen is lymphosarcoma . Primary malignant tumors rarely affect the spleen, and metastases to the spleen are even rarer.

Enlargement of the spleen (so-called splenomegaly ). This may be due to various pathological conditions of the human body. With an increase in lymph nodes, with fever or jaundice, with an enlarged liver or severe anemia – in all these cases, splenomegaly . In the case of certain cardiovascular diseases, in infectious diseases – it can be measles, meningitis, scarlet fever, malaria, etc., in blood diseases – leukemia or hemolytic jaundice, an enlarged spleen may also occur.

Since splenomegaly is only a reaction of the body to another disease, it is first necessary to establish what caused this pathological condition of the organ.

Diagnosis of diseases of the spleen

How to diagnose this or that disease of the spleen? There are several medical methods for doing this.

Questioning method. When compiling the necessary anamnesis, it is necessary to pay attention to all chronic infections that the patient has had, and which could lead to an increase in the size of the spleen. Also, serious cardiovascular diseases, blood diseases, dangerous pathological conditions of the liver, etc. cannot be discounted. – if any have ever taken place in the patient’s medical history.

Inspection method. This method is not very effective, since it allows diagnosing an enlarged spleen only in case of its significant change in size to a large side. With such a pathology, the spleen emerges from under the ribs and on the left raises half of the abdominal wall so much that it can be seen by any person even with the naked eye.

Palpation method. This is the main method of examination of the spleen, which must be diagnosed. Palpation is best done with the patient lying on the right side or on the back; to relax the abdominal muscles, it is better to lie with your legs tucked in. With the help of the left hand, which must be placed in the region of 7 – 10 left ribs, it is necessary to fix the sternum in a fixed position. The right hand should lie flat on the stomach, at a right angle to the ribs. In this case, with your fingers in a bent position, you need to slightly press on the abdominal cavity.

When the patient takes a deep breath, the spleen moves towards the palpating hand and is directly under the fingers, so that you can feel the lower edge of the organ well.

As a rule, if you can feel the edge of the lymphoid organ with your fingers, you can assume that there is a pathological increase in its size. Although in practice, in some cases, in people with an excessively thin physique, especially in women, it is possible to determine the edge of a completely healthy spleen.

When carrying out the palpation method, one should focus on the available volumes of the spleen, its consistency, mobility, what kind of edge (serrated or even), how great is the sensitivity, etc.

Method of modern X-ray examination. In the presence of a large amount of gas in the large intestine and stomach, the spleen and its edges are seen much better. For this purpose, when performing X-rays of the spleen, the stomach or large intestine is tried to be artificially inflated.

Spleen puncture method. This method is used when the organ is greatly enlarged. Before making a puncture to the patient, he must take a deep breath and hold his breath. If this important condition is not met, the spleen is displaced to the side, and damage to the capsule can occur and heavy bleeding can begin.

Due to the similar unsafety of this diagnostic method, it is used only in cases of emergency and with extreme caution. The puncture is made with a very thin and sharp needle. As a result of the puncture, a few small drops of blood are obtained. Blood smears obtained from the spleen help determine the nature of the changes that have occurred in it.

Method of laboratory tests and blood tests. With a fairly large increase in the size of the spleen, it is imperative and necessary to conduct a complete blood test.

Prevention of diseases of the spleen

To prevent diseases of the spleen, first of all, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, not to start infectious diseases, to take the necessary measures to strengthen the immune system – in a word, to monitor the general condition of your body. Particular attention should be paid to protecting the abdomen and chest from various injuries and injuries. The most serious damage is caused to the spleen in the event of a severe bruise, a blow received in a fight or as a result of a serious traffic accident.

It is also necessary to periodically take blood tests and check the state of its indicators, it is also advisable not to forget about the correctness of your diet.